Brett Ratner resigns from Oscars

Brett Ratner has resigned from producing the 2012 Oscars after making a number of ill-judged comments.

The director made a number of remarks in recent days, claiming rehearsals were for "fags" and discussing his sex life, and decided to leave so as not to tarnish the reputation of the Academy Awards.

He said in a statement: "I called director Tom Sherak this morning and resigned as a producer of the 84th Academy Awards telecast.

"Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents."

In a statement from the Academy, Tom said the comments were unacceptable, but reiterated that Brett was a "good person".

He stated: "He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself. Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent."

It is not known if Eddie Murphy, who stars in Ratner's film 'Tower Heist' and is set to present the event in February, will also leave.